Equestrian Sports in China: Boosting Popularity and Development
Equestrian sports are gaining momentum in China, with a series of international equestrian competitions scheduled to take place this year. The Chinese Equestrian Association (CEA) has announced a series of events, including the FEI Jumping World Cup China League, which will be held in Beijing and Wuhan, and an FEI Jumping World Challenge event in Dongguan. * The FEI Jumping World Cup China League will start its 2025 season with an event in Beijing from April 24 to 26, followed by another event in Wuhan city from May 30 to June 2. * The FEI Jumping World Challenge event will be held in Dongguan city from April 11 to 13, focusing on cultivating domestic youth talent. * The CEA has noted that the event will “further improve the competitive level of reserve talent in equestrian sports and select outstanding riders for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics.”
* The CEA Secretary General, Zhong Guowei, stated that the achievements of Chinese riders on international stages have fueled domestic enthusiasm for the sport. * Zhong mentioned that the number of equestrian clubs in China has significantly increased, rising from 907 in 2016 to 2,815 in 2024, indicating a growing interest in the sport.

Zhong stated that the achievements of Chinese riders on international stages have fueled domestic enthusiasm for the sport. “A large number of young reserve talent have emerged in the equestrian field, especially in Beijing, the Yangtze River Delta region, and also in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area,” Zhong noted.

“The number of equestrian clubs in China has been increasing steadily. Equestrian sports are gradually integrating into the daily life of the people. It has already become a popular and fashionable leisure sport, in addition to boosting consumption,” Zhong said.

 
The Greater Bay Area in South China is set to host the National Games this year, which is expected to further boost the equestrian sport’s popularity in the country. The equestrian events for the National Games will be held in Shenzhen from November 10 to 19, with qualifying events for jumping in full swing in Dongguan from Monday to Wednesday. According to a domestic equestrian industry survey released by Horsemanship magazine, the number of equestrian clubs in China has significantly increased in recent years, rising from 907 in 2016 to 2,815 in 2024. “The number of equestrian clubs in China has been increasing steadily. A national horse industry development plan published in 2020 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the General Administration of Sport noted a focus on creating youth equestrian events. “By leveraging the advantages of regional talent, funds, and market, we will fully tap into the consumption potential of equestrian sports, enhance the comprehensive economic benefits of equestrian sports, and promote the development of youth equestrian sports,” the paper noted. Despite rapid progress, some hurdles remain. The high cost of training remains a barrier for many. Additionally, the reliance on imported horses highlights a need for domestic breeding programs. “By drawing on the equestrian experience and history that span over 100 years in Europe and the Americas, we can learn a lot through hosting international events. Perhaps during this process, we can develop the equestrian sport even better,” Zhong told the Global Times. “It will also be a very good direction for the future development of Chinese equestrianism, as it will be an excellent opportunity for us to showcase China’s equestrian culture, equestrian competition level, particularly among our young people on the international stage,” Zhong said. The Jumping World Cup China League will conclude its 2025 season in Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan Province, from December 11 to 14, but the series will continue to run in the country until 2028. The elite riders in the China League will have a chance to qualify for the World Cup Finals, competing with other world leading riders from different countries and regions. Luan Shu, vice president of Beijing Equestrian Association and an equestrian rider, told the Global Times that he always cherishes the opportunity to compete with top international riders. “I hope to keep learning on the competition field and build up my own strength. I believe that the hosting international events will attract more people to understand and love equestrian sports, and push China’s equestrian cause to a new and higher level,” Luan told the Global Times. “I look forward to more young people attending equestrian sports and jointly promoting the popularization and development of this sport.”
 
The popularity and development of equestrian sports in China are on the rise. With a series of international equestrian competitions scheduled to take place this year, the sport is expected to attract more fans and promote its growth in the country. The Chinese Equestrian Association (CEA) and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) are working together to boost the sport’s popularity and development in China. The FEI Jumping World Cup China League will be held in Beijing and Wuhan, with the FEI Jumping World Challenge event in Dongguan. The number of equestrian clubs in China has significantly increased, rising from 907 in 2016 to 2,815 in 2024. The Greater Bay Area in South China is set to host the National Games this year, which is expected to further boost the equestrian sport’s popularity in the country. The sport’s popularity and development in China are expected to continue growing, with the hosting of international equestrian competitions and the creation of youth equestrian events. The hosting of international equestrian competitions and the creation of youth equestrian events are expected to attract more fans and promote the growth and development of the sport in China. The popularity and development of equestrian sports in China are on the rise. The hosting of international equestrian competitions and the creation of youth equestrian events are expected to continue to promote the growth and development of the sport in China.